Yep, many and I do not do riding..........I use a halter. Once the horse is trusting of me in the water etc....then riding can come into the picture.

Spirithorse, a very sensible idea. How many trips did you find it took for them to become accustomed to the water, and the sounds and new smells - obviously each horse will be different, but on average?

I've been told that beach riding can be very beneficial for a horses training and fitness - the shoreline provides a non-concussive surface to have nice long sprints and is very gentle on muscles, and the softer sand helps build endurance, especially riding in dunes.

I think we will definately take things slowly, but I admit im a bit of a romantic about the whole idea of going for a gallop down a pristine beach :)

Horse-hearted, I have ridden in Bali on a friends horse down the beach at sunset and it was just beautiful. This horse was the fittest animal i have ever had the privilege to ride. You get the salt spray in your face, and the warm breeze flying past you, waves crashing next to you...aaah, bliss :)